A clogged septic tank with an unpleasant smell and gurgling sound is a headache.
Many homeowners use chemical products like Drano to resolve this issue. But can you use Drano with a septic tank?
What Is Drano And How Does It Work?
Drano is a chemical product used explicitly to unclog drains or remove unpleasant odors from bathrooms.
When Drano is poured into the drain, it dissolves substances such as hairs, grease, and soap scum. When these substances break down into tiny particles, the pipes get unclogged, allowing water to flow easily.
However, using Drano with a septic system can pose risks due to its strong chemicals. Using it sparingly is essential to avoid damaging the drain or septic tank.
Can You Use Drano With A Septic Tank?
Drano is not beneficial when working with a septic tank. It contains harsh chemicals that can disrupt the natural flow or growth of bacteria.
Bacteria are essential to breaking down solid particles into small ones and enhancing the natural flow of water.
If this chemical product is used regularly, a septic tank can lose all the bacteria, which results in clogging and unpleasant smells from the sink drain, bathrooms, and other places.
Is Drano Septic Safe?
No drano is not a septic-safe product for septic systems.
Don't use the recommended amount if you’re considering using Drano to open clogged pipes. Instead, only use several drops 1 to 2 times a week.
Consider the best drain cleaner safe for well-regarded septic tanks, provides the best functionality, and requires fewer repair costs.
Is Drano Max Gel Safe For Septic Systems?
Drano Max gel is not safe for septic tanks as it contains potent chemicals that disturb the actual growth of bacteria inside the septic system.
Using gel inside the septic may disturb this routine, which causes clogging issues more often and requires more repair or replacement costs.
It’s advisable only to use septic-safe products for good performance and functionality.
Risks Of Using Drano With A Septic Tank
Bacterial Imbalance In The Septic Tank
Excessive use of Drano products inside the drainer affects the natural process of bacterial growth and lowers its growth. This harms the entire system of the septic tank.
Chemical Damage To Pipes And Tank
Using Drano and other chemical products may cause the pipes and septic tank to corrode. Over time, such structural deterioration makes the whole system vulnerable to leaks or ruptures of the pipes entirely.
Environmental Hazards
The Drano chemical water seeps into the groundwater, which harms the leach fields. This has a serious effect on the environment, contaminating the local ecosystem.
Selecting a Drano advanced septic treatment and other septic-safe products helps protect the environment and septic system.
Increased Risk Of Costly Repairs
Repairs become imperative when Drano products tamper with the natural equilibrium and break down the septic tanks.
These repairs are quite costly to the extent that it is cheaper to buy and use septic-friendly cameras and their accessories.
Potential For Toxic Fumes
When Drano is used with other natural or household products, it creates toxic fumes. This fume not only risks human health but also damages pipe lining, which creates leaking issues.
Shortened Septic System Lifespan
When chemicals like Drano are regularly used in a septic tank, they strain the tank. This strain requires quick repair and replacement. If the issues persist, you need to update the whole system, which shortens the septic system's lifespan.
Incompatibility With Septic Enzyme Treatments
Many homeowners use enzymes to enhance bacteria growth inside the system. When harsh chemicals are used, it damages the enzyme activity, which puts the system at risk.
Alternative Methods For Unclogging Your Pipes
Utilize Baking Soda And Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar mixture is an effective natural method to remove the clog. Pour some mixture into the drain.
The combination produces a fizz that could help remove minor clumps mainly caused by grease or soap residues. Afterward, hot water is poured as a rinsing agent to remove the waste.
Hot Water Flush
At times, the most effective remedy for a blocked drain is flushing the toilet with hot water.
Put some boiling water in stages and pour the water into the clogged drain, allowing the greasy or soapy blockage to dissolve. This method does not harm pipes or septic tanks.
Try A Drain Snake
A drain snake is a specialized tool used for clogged drain openers. You can use it by entering the snake inside the drainer and twisting it.
When you twist, it will catch the nearby debris or dust. This works particularly well for clogs caused by hair as it can work deeper in the pipe compared to other options.
Use A Plunger
Many homeowners use a plunger to dislodge debris when sinks and toilets are clogged, a septic-safe method that minimizes the use of chemical products.
Enzyme Based Drain Cleaners
Enzyme-based drain cleaning products contain bacteria that consume the organic substances, leading to clogging.
These products do not harm and are beneficial to septic systems since they do not interfere with the bacterial colonies used in the tanks but help improve them.
Clean The P-Trap
The P-trap is known to collect debris that causes a clog. It’s usually below your sink. Place a bucket below it, unscrew the trap, and remove anything clogging the pipe.
Conclusion
Drano is a harsh chemical that can be used sparingly for septic tank cleaning or unclogging.
If you don't know which cleaner or septic-related product benefits your tank, contact Barnes Sewer and Septic at (765) 584-7295.
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